Online Platforms Could Face $1 Million Fines for Hateful Content Under California Bill Pending Governor’s Signature

The bill faced mixed support in both chambers, and critics have said the bill could lead to censorship and government overreach.

An illustration of social media apps displayed on an iPad on Feb. 26, 2024. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

California state lawmakers have passed a bill that could impose hefty fines on social media platforms for amplifying “hateful content through their algorithms.

Senate Bill 771 arrived on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk on Sept. 22 and is waiting for him to either sign it into law or veto it.